- April 21, 2026
Carolyn “Punky” (Brands) Radtke, 75, of Palm Coast, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, at her care home at Inverness Cottage. Born in Lima, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of the late Eleanor Kathryn (Yore) Brands and Clement Jacob Brands. Carolyn lived in Wapakoneta, Ohio; DeLand, Florida; Crescent City, Florida; and Palm Coast, Florida. She loved traveling, and always had a trip planned—something to look forward to and a reason to gather with the people she loved.
Carolyn was the devoted wife of her late husband, Michael David Radtke, with whom she shared a life rooted in love, family, and unwavering support.
She dedicated many years of her life to education, serving as the proud Elementary Principal of Middleton Burney Elementary School in Crescent City. Carolyn didn’t just lead a school, she shaped lives. She had a deep love for children and a gift for encouraging both students and adults to see their potential. She advocated fiercely, led with a genuine heart, and created a space where people felt seen, valued, and inspired.
Known to many as “Punky,” she was truly the life of the party. She believed in living life to the fullest—bringing people together, planning meaningful moments, and making memories that would last. She loved baking and cooking, filling her home with warmth, laughter, and the simple joy of being together. Raised Catholic, her faith was a steady presence in her life and reflected in the compassion she showed to others.
In her later years, Carolyn faced a long and difficult 7 year journey with dementia—a disease that slowly took pieces of her memory and independence. Through it all, her spirit, her warmth, and the love she gave so freely remained evident in the moments that mattered most. While the journey was painful for those who loved her, it also revealed the depth of her strength and the incredible bond she shared with her family. She is now at peace—free from the limitations of that illness.
More than anything, Carolyn adored her family—especially her grandchildren. She retired knowing she would be able to help care for them, a role she cherished deeply. Her love for them was constant, joyful, and unwavering.
Carolyn is survived by her loving daughter, Molly Kathryn MacDonald (Wes MacDonald) of Palm Coast; her son, Matthew Michael Radtke (Laura Radtke) of Dallas, Georgia; her sister, Norma Jean Wanek; her brother, Martin Brands; and her two beloved grandchildren, Mackenzie Belle MacDonald (14y) and Riley Michael MacDonald (12y), along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness and spirit.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eleanor Kathryn (Yore) Brands and Clement Jacob Brands, her sister Nancy Jane Wright, and her late husband, Michael David Radtke.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lotus Funeral Services, 460 Palm Coast Pkwy SW, Suite 3, Palm Coast. Flowers may be ordered through the funeral home website at lotusfuneralservices.com
A Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 156 Florida Park Drive, Palm Coast.
Carolyn’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. To know her was to feel encouraged, welcomed, and loved. In her honor, take the trip, gather your people, and live life fully—just like Punky always did.
